Anti-flammatory method using indole alkaloids

Abstract

Indole alkaloid compounds having the formula <IMAGE> where R and R' are H, an alkyl group having up to 5 carbon atoms or -CO-(CH2)n-CH3 where n=0 to 16. The indole alkaloid compounds and their reduction products are useful as both UV protective and anti-inflammatory agents.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for treating a mammal having inflamed tissue which comprises: administering to said mammal an inflammation reducing effective amount of an indole alkaloid having the formula ##STR5## where R and R' are H, an alkyl group having up to 5 carbon atoms or --CO--(CH 2 ) n  --CH 3  where n=0 to 16.   
     
     
       2. A method for treating a mammal having inflamed tissue according to claim 1 wherein R and R' are methyl. 
     
     
       3. A method for treating a mammal having inflamed tissue according claim 1 wherein R and R' are --CO--(CH 2 ) n  --CH 3  where n is 0. 
     
     
       4. A method for treating a mammal having inflamed tissue located at or adjacent to the skin of said mammal, said method also providing UV protection for said skin of said mammal, said method comprising the step of administering to the mammal an inflammation effective reducing and UV protective amount of an indole alkaloid having the formula: ##STR6## where R and R' are H, an alkyl group having up to 5 carbon atoms or --CO--(CH 2 ) n  --CH 3  where n=0 to 16. 
     
     
       5. A method for treating inflamed tissue and providing UV protection according to claim 4 wherein R and R' are methyl. 
     
     
       6. A method for treating inflamed tissue and providing UV protection according to claim 4 wherein R and R' are --CO--(CH 2 ) n  --CH 3  where n is 0.